The notorious bike brigade of the Communist Party of India-Marxist cadres has been missing in Nandigram since the deployment of the Central Reserve Police Force, though an uneasy calm prevails in the area.

Local people say that after the 'recapture' of Nandigram, the cadres rode around in groups of 20 to 25 with two riding pillion. They had the party flags wrapped bandana style across their foreheads.

The bike brigade, they say, roared in through two points -- Tekhali Bazar and Hangabera -- on their mission of terror.

The bike brigade disappeared after the central forces nabbed eight bikers and let them off after a stern warning that this would not be tolerated and unregistered bikes would be seized.

A correspondent touring Nandigram since the past few days also did not notice the bike brigade.

District police sources said that the eight seized bikes were still lying at the Nandigram police station. CRPF DIG Alok Raj said his forces have not received any further complaints about the bike brigade.

West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya on Monday said that he had taken serious note of the bike brigade and disciplinary action would be taken against them.

But terror still stalks some areas. At places like Tekhali, Bhangabera, Sonachura, Gokulnagar, people are fearful and generally refuse to speak.

Even when asked by the CRPF if they had any problems, the common refrain is 'Sab thik ache, shanti ache' (everything is all right, there is peace).

Some supporters of the Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee have returned home on terms allegedly dictated by the CPI-M activists.

They confided that the Marxists have made it clear to them that they could no longer participate in BUPC programmes and have to take part in rallies organised by the CPI-M in the area.

Although some BUPC men have returned, many have been forced to return to the refugee camps after the CPI-M allegedly imposed fines on them.

"We went back to our village on the assurance of CPI-M leaders that there would be no reprisals. But we were threatened and asked to pay a hefty fine for joining BUPC. We are again back in the refugee camp as we can't afford the money they have demanded," said Sanatan Mondal of Satengabari.